Fountain displays



Jan. 19, 1965 J. P. PRIBYL. 3,165,966

FOUNTAIN DISPLAYS Filed Feb. 24, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet l du @ma m M Jan.19, 1.965 J. P. PRIBYL.

FOUNTAIN DISPLAYS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 24, 1961 whs UnitedStatesPatent 3,165,966 FOUNTAIN DSPLAYS l Jehu P. Pribyl, 402 Harriet,Arlington, Tex. Filed Feb. 24, 1961, Ser. No. 91,421 Claims. (Cl.Sb-464) This invention relates'to fountain displays, and moreparticularlyto a control system for varying the amplitudes of thefountain sprays in accordance with the occurrence of particularfrequency components of predetermined values in an'audio control signaland for varying the intensities of colored illuminating lights for thesprays in accordance with the amplitudes of the particular frequencycomponents.

' An object of this inveniton is to provide a new and improved waterfountain display with varying water spray Iand illumination patterns.

Another object is to provide a water display whereiny a plurality ofdifferent frequency band pass channels are energized by acontrollingsound source to provide varying patterns of water sprayamplitudes and illumination therefor. f Y

Still Ianother object Vis to provide a fountain display system of Watersprays and illuminating lights wherein light colors corresponding tovarious sound frequency bands are varied in intensity as a function ofthe amplitudes of the particular bands of frequency components in anaudio control signal.

' lA still further object is to provide Ian. electromechanical controlsystem for a fountain display comprising a plurality of liquid spraysystems and light-source systems for illuminating the sprays in patternsof color wherein an audio control signal is separated into a pluralityof sound-frequency bands, a particular color illuminating system and aparticular solenoid valve for controlling the supply of liquid and theamplitude of sprays in a liquid spray system being associated with eachsuch band of sound-frequencies, whereby the amplitudes of the respectivebands of sound frequency components control the intensities of the lightcolors in the associated illuminating systems .and :the occurrence ofthe particular frequency components control the operation of thesolenoid valves so as to vary the visual effect of the display inaccordance with thel characteristics of the audiocontrol signal.

' Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be readilyapparent from the reading of the following description of a deviceconstructed in accordance with the invention, and with reference to theaccompanying drawings thereof, wherein:

FIGURE l is a simplified schematic view of the electro-mechanicalcontrol system of a preferred embodiment of the invention; i l

FIGURE 2 is a plan View of the fountain display showing the arrangementof spray nozzles and colored lights for illuminating the water sprays; Y

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in FIGURE 2; and,

FIGURE 4 is a circuit diagram of the electrical system l for controllingthe intensities of the various colored lights and the action of thesolenoid valves for regulating the rate of fiow of water to the'variousspr'ayfnozzles.

Referring to the drawings, anaudio input signal from anaudio-frequency'source, such as a radio, recording, microphone, or thelike, is delivered to a preamplifier 10 for raising the voltage level ofthe input signal. The pre-amplifier output signal is transmitted to apair of conventional amplifiers and 16. The output of the amplifier 15may bevused to power a loudspeaker or loudspeakers 18 and the output ofamplifier 16 is transmitted to a group of frequency'selective channelswhich separate 3,165,966 Patented Jan. 19, V19`65 ICC whose amplitudevaries in accordance with the amplitude of the audio input signal. Thedirect current voltage is then transmitted -to each of a pair of directcurrent am plifiers 23 and 24, the amplifier 23 controlling theoperation of a particular illuminating system 25 and the'ampliiier 24controlling the operation of a particular solenoid valve 26. Y

The output of the amplifier 23 which is representative of thecontrolling sound in channel I, both in amplitude and in frequency, istransmitted through a powercontrol magnetic amplifier 27 and a switchdevice 28 which transmits current to the particular lighting system 25which varies in accordance with the direct current output of amplifier23. Thus, any change in output current of the amplifier 23 isaccompanied by a change inl intensity of the light emitted by theparticular light system associated therewith. Similarly, the directcurrent output ofthe amplifier 24 is delivered through anelectromagnetic relay 29 to control the operation of a switch device30'which varies thesupply level of current to the solenoid valve 26. Thevalve 26 isl disposed in a conduit for supplying liquid under pressurefrom a pump 0r pressure source 31 to the Ispray nozzles 32. Theoperation of the valve as controlled by the channel output current issuch that the size of the valve opening is increased to a sizecorresponding to an all-on condition when the occurrence of a signal inthe frequency selective channel operates they relay to increase thecurrent output of the switch vice 30.

The spray nozzles are preferably arranged in a pattern to produce aparticular visual effect, usually with orifices pointing in av generallyupward direction. After being ejected from the spray nozzles, the liquidmay be collected 'in a tank or accumulator 33 where it is picked up andre-pressurized by the pump if a recirculating systern is used. A drain34 may be provided for the aceumulator if no recirculating is desired.However, if it is not desired to collect the falling liquid from thesprays, the accumulator may be eliminated and the pump connected to someother liquid supply means.

lt ,is thus apparent that the size of the valve opening or orince isvaried in accordancewith the current supplied from the switching device3% as determined by theoccurg rence of particular frequency componentsin the audio control signal to vary the height of the water spray.Similarly, the intensity of the light-color in the illuminating systemis varied in accordance with the current supplied from the switchingdevice 28. In this manner, when a number of channels are provided tocontrol a number of spray nozzles and a number of lighting systems, avarying spray and light pattern is produced to provide an overall visualeffect which changesy in accordance with the frequencyiand amplitudecharacteristics of a controlling audio signal.

Referring to FIGURES 2 and 3, a suitable arrangement of water spray andilluminating systems includes a spray nozzle 39, and water spray systems40 and 41 comprisingv concentric circular arrangements of spraynozzlesand afvariable resistance'or potentiometer 76.

' electric discharge devices of the other channels.

cathode 81 ofthe electric discharge device `is connected.

alsace-e of the outlet conduits with the manifold conduit, controls the`rate ot flow of, liquid to all of the spray systems i simultaneously. Amanually operated valve d and solenoid valves 57', 53, and 5L connectedin the outlet conduits 49 to 52, respectively, also'control the rates ofiiow ot liquid to their individual associated spray systems.

I The solenoid valves 57, 5? and 59 are controlled by a-frequencyselective network, schematically illustrated in FIGURE l, having lowfrequency, middle frequency, and highfrequency band pass channels,respectively. The solenoid lvalve S51, however, is not frequencyselective in that it is connecte-dto a signal channel which does notinclude a band-pass filter. The valve will operate to allow greater iiowof liquid whenever the amplitude of any frequency in the audioy inputsignal is above apredetermined value.

Intheembodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG- URES 2 and 3, fourlighting systems are included. Onel lighting system` includes bluelights (il and 62 controlled by the output of a low frequency band-passchannel. A.

system of green lights d3 andV v6ftV is controlled by a middle frequencyband-pass channel, a system of red lights' 65 and 66 is controlled by ahigh frequency bandpass channel, and a system of white lights 67 and disJ controlled'by output of the compositek channel CC `which is ,alsoadapted tol control the operation of the solenoid valve 55. It isapparent, of course, that any number of Alighting systems and waterspray systems may electrical control'system, the audio input'signal orvolt-` age is applied across the input terminals "itl andi'l of a pairof conductors 72 and 73, theconductorf'Z-being connected to ground. Theinput signal orvoltage is irnpres'sed across a coupling capacitor 74,conductor 75, One terminal of the variable resistance is connected tothe conductor 72 by a conductor 77. The slide "Contact 7S of thevariableresistance is connected to one side of each of the respective channels,the other side of each of the channels being connected to ground, sothat the potentiometer 76 controls the range of the input voltageapplied Vacross the channels and thus the sensitivity of all channelssimultaneously. 4

Channel I, illustrated in detail in FIGURE 4,'passes a band of lowfrequency components of the audio input signal and channels Il and IIIare designed to pass bands Y of middle and high audio frequencies,respectively. Since they channels are substantially identical,differing'only in the;band-pass:characteristics of each channel, adescription of channel I will suliice to describe all of the channels. i

iilt'er resistor dit and conductors @and 89a. The other side 89h of thedirect current supply circuit is connected to ground. n

A iiltcr network 9@ is connected across the anodecathode circuit'iof theamplifier electric discharge device l and the bias resistor 82 throughthe conductor 93,

The output of the filter .network 9i? is connected across the controlgrid lltlZ and the cathode lil?) of an amplilier The Yconductor ltlcon-` A capacitor 12S is connected across the rectifiersby the Thepotentiometer contact 7? is connected 4to the control grid 79 of anamplifier electric discharge-device @il inchannel I and to the grids ofcorresponding amplifier to ground through a bias resistor S2 and itsanode d3 The is connected to one side 8d of a direct current supply i acoupling capacitor 94 and the conductor 9S. The lilter network includesa resistance 9e, one of whose s1des is connected to the couplingcapacitor 91d through the conductor 95 and a pair of capacitors $7 and9S having one pair kof sides connected to opposite side of resistance nand their other sides connected to the conductor 95'.

electric discharge device itl/i. nects the grid l to the common junctionor connection file of the capacitor 9d and the resistance 96 of thetilte network, and to the conductor 72. through the resist-ik ance lili.

It" will be apparent to those skilled in the art that theconductivityofthe electric discharge device Sti varies in accordancewith the audiorinput voltage across the' input terminals "itl Vand 7l,the filter network 9u. will transmit a voltage of prt-:selectefrequencyconiponents only across the control grid 102 and cathode 163ofthe amplier electricldischarge means Ille; The electric ydischargemeans Mid also includes an anode Il?, connected to the side 8d ofthedirect current supply circuit through the resistanceV 113, theconductor. 87, conductor S9 the resistance 88 and 'the conductor 89a.charge device lil/i and the electric discharge device 8i) may be in thesame envelope and are preferably of the high vacuum type. work lS isconnected across the anode-cathode circuit of the electric dischargedevice lit through a conductor lle connected to the common connection orjunction il? of the resistance H3, and the anode 112 of the electricdischarge device, the conductor 72, the conductor 16S and the resistance1&9.. v

The rectifierl and voltage doubling network includes a pair of diodes orsemiconductor type rectitiers 122 and 23. The conductor l2@ is connectedto the common junction or connectiony IE6 of the rectitiers T122 and123.

conductors 2.29, i3d, 131 and '72. A variable resistance i3d connectedacross the capacitor 12.8. by the .conduc. tors 134, 72, and 130,controls the rate ofvdis'oharge` ot the capacitor 128. It will beapparent to thoseV skilled in the art that when the filtered andamplified audio'input voltage is fed to the input of the rectifier andvoltage doubler circuit, the capacitor 12d is charged totwice the peakvoltageof audio inputrvoltage as the rectifier 122 and 1213 alternatelyconduct positive and negative half cycles of the input voltage. Y

The rectilied output voltage of the rectifier-.and voltage doubler'circuit is impressed across thelcontrol grid 1% and the cathode 137 ofan amplilier electric discharge device l'by means of the conductor .139,a variablev sistors M3 and $.44 connectedin series to the conductor 72.The electric discharge device includes an anode connected to thepositive side 84v of the` direct current voltage supply throughconductors 1415 Yand 89a. A suppressor grid 15d is connected to "thecathode'and is disposed between the anode and a screen grid of thedevice. The screen grid is connected tothe side VSrl-foi thedirect'current supply Vthrough a voltage dropping resistor lite, theconductors S6 and S7', yiilter resistor 33,

and conductors 89 and'a. A-pairfof capacitors 157 and ISS having sidesconnecte'dto opposite sides of the The electric dis-y A rectifier andvoltage doubling netf resistor 88. and their other sides connected toground,

constitute with the resistor S8 a resistance-capacitance filter for thedirect current voltage supply.

The control winding 16de of a magnetic amplifier 15) is connected acrossthe resistance 144 by means of the conductors 72 and 72a. The magneticamplifier may be of any suitable type such as the commercially availableamplifier manufactured by Magnetics, lne., Butler, Pa. under thedesignation Type-4536-l. it will be apparent that the output voltageacross the resistor 14d varies in accordance with the conductivity ofthe electric discharge means 13S which in turn varies in accordance withthe voltage applied across the grid and cathode of the electricdischarge means 13S. The current in lthe control winding thus varies inaccordance with the conductivity of the electric discharge means 138.

The magnetic amplifier 16@ is adapted to regulate the action of aswitching circuit 165 for controlling the supply of power from asuitable A.C. power supply 17) to a particular illuminating system forthe fountain installation. The switching circuit includes a pair ofswitching'means 171 and 172, such as silicon controlled rectiiiers,which are connected reversely in parallel relative to one anotherand inseries with the lamps L constituting the load connected across the mainconductors 173 and 17d which are connected to the alternating currentinput terminals 175 and 176. The anode 177 of the rectifier 171 isconnected to the main conductor 173 by the conductor 17S while itscathode 179 is connected through conductors 1g@ and 1&1 to `one side ofthe load L. The other side of load Lis connected to the other mainconductor 174. The anode 183 of the rectifier 172 is connected to oneside of the load through the conductors 1841 and 181, and its cathode185 is connected to the main conductor 173 by the conductor 136.

lt will be apparent that since the rectiiiers 171 and 172 are connectedreversely in parallel relative to each other and in series with the loadL, they will transmit alternate half cycles of the alternating currentto 4the load when they are rendered alternately conductive byappropriate control potentials.

The point in the half cycle during which the rectifier 171 is renderedconductive is controlled by the potential applied across 'the gate orcontrol member 13? and the cathode 179. The gate is connected to oneside of the secondary winding 19nd of a transformer 191 having a primarywinding 19% and a core 192, through a conductor 193, a semi-conductivedevice or half wave rectier 194 and the conductor 195. The cathode 179is connected to the common junction 1% of the primary and secondarywindings through the conductors 18u and 1597. The junction 1% is ofcourse connected tothe main conductor 17d through the conductors 197 and155i and the load L. The other side of the primary winding 19% of thetransformer is connected to the main conductor 173 through the conductor2.96, the winding 199 of the magnetic amplifier 160 and thesemi-conductive device or half wave rectifier 201'.

' During the half cycle or" the alternating current input across ythemain conductors 173 and 174i in which a posi'- tive potential is appliedto the anode 177 of the rectifier 171, a positive pulse of current williiow through the semiconductive device 2.@1, the winding-199 of themagnetic amplifier 160 and the primary winding 19% of the transformerinducing a potential in the secondary winding 1900. The' magnitude ofthe potential applied across the gate and cathode of the rectifier 171during the half cycle in which a positive potential is applied to theanode 177, hereinafter referred to as the positive half cycle, of therectifier 171 varies not only in accordance with the voltage across themainV conductors but also in accordance with the impedance `of thewinding 199 of the magnetic amplifier 16) which in turn varies inaccordance with the current flowing inthe control winding letta. Thewindings ltia and 199'are so arranged that the impedance of the winding199 to the current now being transmitted by the half wave rectifier ishigher when the value of the current owing through the control winding16de is high and is lower when the Value of the current flowing throughthe winding letta is low. Since the rectifier becomes conductive at thetime or phase of the positive halt cycle at which ythe potential acrossthe gate and cathode attains a predetermined value during such positivehalf cycle and since this predetermined value is attained at differenttimes or phases of the positive half cycle depending upon the impedanceof the winding 199, the amount of current transmitted by the rectifier171 during a half cycle will vary directly in accordance with the value`of the current flowing in the control winding 16de of the magneticamplifier during such positive half cycle. For example, if the value ofthe current in the winding e is relatively high during a positive halfcycle, the impedance of the winding 1% is relatively high so that thepotential across the gate and the cathodeof the transistor attains thepredetermined value at a later time or phase of the positive half'Hcycle and the rectifier is rendered conductive at a later time duringthe positive half cycle. lf the'value of the current in the winding 16deis low, the impedance of the winding 199 is low and the potentialapplied across the gate and cathode of the rectier attains thepredetermined value ats an earlier time of the positive half cycle sothat the amount of current during such positive half cycle transmittedby the rectifier 171, which is in effect switched on at an earlier timein the positive half cycle, will be greater. Of course, the impedance ofthe winding 199 may be so high that the predetermined value is neverattained and the rectifier will not be rendered conductive during aparticular half cycle.

The rectifier 172 is similarly rendered conductive during the negativehalf cycles of the alternating current impressed across the mainconductors 173 and 174 in accordance with the variations in the currentin the winding 160e since its gate or control member 2de is connected toone side of the secondary winding 267 or" the transformer 191 through aconductor 2h91, a semi-conductor device or halt wave rectifier 21@ and aconductor 1211. The cathode 135 is connected to the common junction 212of the secondary winding 2W and the primary winding 213 of thetransformer 191 by the conductor 214. One side of the primary winding213 is connected tothe main conductor 173 by the conductors 214- and 136and its other side is connected to the main conductor 17d by theconductor 215, the winding 216 of the magnetic amplifier, the conductor217, the semi-conductive device or half wave rectifier 218, theconductor 181 and the load L. It will be apparent that the amount ofcurrent transmitted by the rectifier 172 during each negative half cycleof the alterhating current impressed across the conductors 173 and 174will vary in accordance with the value of the current in the controlwinding 16de of the magnetic amplifier since the voltage induced in thetransformer secondary Winding 267 by the current in the primary winding213 varies in accordance with the impedance of the winding 216 of themagnetic amplifier. When the audio input signal having the frequencycomponents which are transmitted by the filter network @d is appliedacross the input terminals 7i) and 71, the potential applied to the grid136 becomes more negative, the electric discharge device is renderedless conductive causing less current to flow through the control winding16de, the impedances of the windings 199 and 216 decrease and therectifiers 171 and 172 transmit current `to the load alternately duringalternate half cycles of the alternating current applied across theinput terminals 175 and 176. The conductivity of the electric dischargemeans 138 varies, of course, with the amplitude of such frequencycomponents.

When the audio inputsignal applied 'across the input d Winding leila tobe relatively-high and, since, the impedances of the windings l@ andZlio are thus relatively high, the rectifiers 171 and 72 do not transmitany current to the load L. lt will thus be seen that the intensity ofthe light emitted by the lamps controlled b y a particular channel willvary inaccordance with the amplitude of the y selected frequencycomponent band which is transmitted by its associated filter, theintensity or the amount of light emitted by the lamps increasing as theamplitude of the selected band of frequency components increases anddecreasing as this amplitude decreases.

The audio input signal which is received hy a particular channel alsocontrols the operation or a solenoid valve which regulates the iiow ofliquid to a particular one of the water spray systems. For this purpose,the one side n of the output of the rectier and voltage doubler circuitllli is connected to the control grid 22 of an electric discharge device2 26, having a cathode 227, by means of the conductor 13u; the variableresistance or potentiometer 22S, and the conductors 29 and 72. Theslile.` Contact 23? of the variable resistancey is connected to thecontrol grid oi the electric discharge device 226 so that thepotentiometer controls the input voltage applied to the grid and thusthe sensitivity of the electric discharge device. The cathode 227 isconnected to the other side ot the output ofthe rectifier and voltagedoubler circuit lilS through the conductors 72 and 223i, and the biasresistor 235.'. The screen grid 242 interposed between the convtrol grid225 and the anode 237 of the device is connected to thevside Sf-i of thedirect current supply voltage through a voltage'dropping resistor 21th,'conductors do and S7,

. resistor tl, and conductors 89 and 89a.

` by means of conductors 261 and 262, the voltage dropping resistor 263,and the conductors 265,89 and S961. When an audio input signal whichdoes not have the preselected frequency components is applied across theinput termina-ls '70 and 71, the'movablercontact 257 of the relay isheld in engagement with the iixed contact 2.55 by the currenttransmitted to the relay winding 251 by the electric discharge device2226 which is now fully conductive.

.When an audio input signal having the preselected frcquency componentsof predetermined amplitude is'received by channel the potential appliedacross the grid 225 and cathode 226 becomes-more negative and thuscauses the current transmitted through the anode-cathode circuit of theelectric discharge device 227, lthe conductor 250,V and the relaywinding to decrease permitting the movable contact 257 to move fromengagement with the fixed contact 2.55 and into engagement with thestationary Contact 256, thus energizing the light.

The movable contact 257, when in engagement with the stationary contact255, connects the control winding '300 of the magnetic amplifier 301across the resistance 302 o fthe voltage divider `bridge 363 by means ofthe conductors 304, 305, '365, '72 Yand 270. The voltage divider bridgecomprises thevrr'esistances 302 and 309 connected in series across theinput circuit 84 and 8% through the conductors 89a, 89, 31.2, 313, 3%and 72 and ground.

YIt will thus be seen that whenever the movable relay contact 257'yengages the stationary contact 255, the control winding 3h0 is energizedwith direct' current of a value predetermined by the values of theresistances of 'the voltage divider bridge and the voltage of the inputcircuit. v

@l e The magnetic amplifier Stil is part of a switching circuit orcontrolling theV supply of current to a particular `solenoid valve V.The switching circuit lita is substantially identical in all respects tothe switching circuit i65- associated with the magnetic ampliiier i6@and components of this Yswitching circuit have been provided with thesame reference characters, to which the character a has been added, asareV used to designate corresponding components of the switching circuitcontrolled by the magnetic amplifier 16@ Y The switching circuit 165erincludes a pair of silicon controlled rectiers i710. and 172e which areconnected reversely in parallel relative to one another and in serieswith the winding of the solenoid valve'V constituting the load connectedacross the power supply conductors i173 and il. The anode 177e: of therectiiier 171s is connected to the main conductor 173 by the conductor178a while its cathode T7941 is connected through the conductors ltltlaand ldlc to one side ot the load V. The other side of the load V isconnected to the power conductor li. The anode la of'the rectiier i725:is connected to one side of the load through conductors i845: and idle,and its cathode lta is connected to the power conductor 173 by theconductor lSoa. Lilie the rectifiers l7l and'i'Z, the rectiiiers'17iaand 172-11 trans-Y mit alternate half cycles of the alternating currentto ,the load 'when they are rendered alternately conductive byappropriate control potentials applied across their respective-gates andcathodes.

The-gate lta of the rectifier 17in is connected to one side of thesecondary winding of a transformer lda through a conductor 193m ahalf-wave rectifier wetland the conductor ll'a. The cathode lt79a isconnected to the common junction .ia of the primary and secondarywindings through conductors luft and 197:1. The junction won is, ofcourse, connected to the main conductor 174 through the conductors19761, ltla, and the load V. The other side ot the transformerprimarywinding is connected to the main conductor 173 through conductor Zda,winding lh/ia of magnetic amplilier Still and the halfwave rectifierZilla. lt will thus be seen, that as in the switching circuit E65, thepotential across the gate and cathode of the rectitier lla varies inaccordance with the impedance of the winding 199m of the magneticampliiier 3M, which, in turn, is dependent upon the magnitude ot currentin the magnetic amplifier control winding.

Whereas the rectifier llla is adapted to be rendered conductive onlyduringv positive half cycles of the alterhating supply voltage, therectilier lZn is adaptedto be rendered conductive only during thenegative half cycles. rifhe gate Ztla is connected Vto one side of thesecondaryv fier, conductor Zlia, half-wave rectifier Zigiz, conductor181i; and the load V.

The admission of the channel of an audio signal of theY requiredfrequency components decreases the current iiowV through the electricdischarge device 226 so that `the deenergization of the relay windingpermitsy the movable contact 257pto move from engagement with thecontact 255 and into engagement with contact 256 stopping iiow of directcurrent through the control winding 300. The

impedances of the windings 19% and 216g vary directly as the current iowin the control windinghl and phaseshift the voltages or tiring pulsesupplied to the control elements of the silicon controlled rectiiiersrelative to the supply voltage, thereby. allowing the lflow lof currentthrough the rectiiiers to the solenoid valve V. The

alcance switching circuitV -is adapted to renderthe rectifiersconductive whenever an audio input signal of predetermined magnitude isreceived by the channelY and the current flow through the rectifierswhenever they are conductive is suliicient to open the solenoid valve toits position allowing maximum liquid flow. When no audio input signal isreceived by the channel, the current in the control winding of themagnetic amplifier 301 prevents the switching circuit 165:1 fromsupplying current to the particular valve controlled by the channel, thevalve being in normally closed position or in a position allowing aminimum liquid flow therepast.

It will thus be seen that whereas the energization of the illuminatingsystem as controlled by the switching circuit 16S Varies in accordancewith the magnitude of current in the magnetic amplifier control winding16th:, the valve is energized to either afully open position or aposition allowing minirnumliquidkl flow.

It will also be seen that the amplitudes of the sprays in the spraysystems is determined by the occurrence of particular'frequencycomponents in the audio input signal. When the signalincludesfrequencies which are acceptable by any particular channel, the solenoidvalve associated with the channel is opened tof increase the liquid flowfrom the spray nozzles and the amplitudes of the sprays controllable bythe valve. in addition, the intensities of the lights in the particularilluminating system associated with the channel are varied in accordancewith the amplitudes of the frequency components in the channel.y

It Will also be seen that the sensitivityvof the switching means in anychannel for supplying current to a solenoid valve and illuminatingsystem is controllable by the potentiometer 76. Additional sensitivitycontrols for the illumination and spray systems are provided by thepotentiometers 140 and 228, respectively.

The additional channels `for filtering the audio input signal andtransmitting other preselected bands'of frequency components, similarlycontrol the other'illuminating-systems and solenoid valves. All of thechannels are connected in parallel whereby the audio input signal whichis applied across the grid and cathode of the amplifier electricdischarge device 8i) in channel l is also applied across the grid andcathode of the corresponding amplifiers in the additional channels. Thegrid of each ofthese amplifiers is connected to the slide contact 78 ofthe' potentiometer '76 by the conductor C and their cathodes connectedto ground through their bias resistors so that all the channels areadapted to receive the input signal. `The frequency selectivity of eachof the channels, of course, is determined by the characteristics of thefilter included therein, althoughy the channel which controls thesolenoid 55 should be designed to transmit'all of the audiofrequencies.v Forpurposes of illustration, a different type of filter96a is shown in channel II than is employed in channel I, however, anysuitable' lter may be used. g

The foregoing description of the invention is explanatory only, andchanges in the details of the construction illustrated may be made bythose skilled in the art, within the scope of the appended claims,without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

l. A device for controlling a plurality of water spray fountains and aplurality of illuminating systems therefor, comprising: rst means forproviding an input potential having audio frequency components ofvarying amplitudes; a plurality of filtering means for filtering saidpotential connected to said first means, each said filtering lil aparticular one of said filtering means for varying the intensity ofillumination of a particular one of said illuminating systems inaccordance with the varying amplitude of the potential componentstransmitted by said particular filtering meansyfountain control meansoperatively associated with each said filtering means for increasing thewater flow of a particular one of said fountains when the amplitude ofthe components transmitted by the filtering means exceeds apredetermined value and means responsive to said input potential forincreasing the water liow of all'said spray fountains upon theoccurrence in said potential of an audio frequency component of apredetermined amplitude.

2. A device for controlling a plurality of water spray fountains and aplurality of illuminating systems therefor, comprising: first means forproviding an input potential having audio frequency components ofvarying amplitudes; a plurality of filtering means for filtering saidpotential connected'to said first means, each said filtering meanscomprising a frequency band-pass circuit adapted to transmit aparticularfrequency range of said components; illumination control meansoperatively associated with each said filtering means, each of saidcontrol means responsive to theV components transmitted by a particularone of said filtering means for var-ying the intensity of illuminationof a particular one of said illuminating systems in accordance with avarying amplitude characteristic of the components transmitted by saidparticular filtering means; a plurality of spray control means, eachoperatively associated with a particular one of said filtering means forvarying the water flow o-f a particular one of said fountains upon theoccurrence in said potential of a component of a predetermined amplitudeand frequency adapted to be transmitted by its particular associatedfiltering means; and spray control means operatively associated with allsaid spray fountains and said rst means for varying the water flow ofall said fountains upon the occurrence in said potential of any audiofrey quency component of a predetermined amplitude.

3. A fountain spray system including: a plurality of y individual spraynozzles for ejecting sprays of liquid;

meansk connected to said nozzles for supplying liquid under pressure tosaid nozzles; .means for individually controlling the flow of liquid toeach said spray nozzle from said supply means, said controlling meanscomprising a separate valve means associated with each of said spraynozzles for controlling the flow of l-iquid from said supply means toeach of said nozzles; andmea'ns responsive to voltage signals ofpredetermined audio frequencies for operating the valve means when theamplitude of said vol-tage signals exceeds a predetermined value. Y

4. A fountain spray system including: a plurality of individual spraynozzles for ejecting sprays of liquid; means connected to said nozzlesfor supplying liquid under pressure to said nozzles; means forindividually controlling the fiow of liquid to each said spray nozzlefrom said supply means, said controlling means comprising a separatevalve means associated with each of said spray nozzles for controllingthe flow of liquid from said supply means to each of said nozzles; and aplurality of valve control means, each responsive to a particular `audiofrequency electrical signal for operating a particular valve meanswhenever the amplitude of the signal exceeds a predetermined value.

5. A fountain installation comprising: a plurality of individual spraynozzles for ejecting sprays of liquid,

` means connected to said nozzles comprising a pump for means comprisinga frequency band-passcircuit adapted supplying liquid under pressure tosaid nozzles; separate valve means associated with each of said spraynozzles for controlling the flow of liquid pumped from said pump to eachof thenozzles; illuminating means mounted adjacent said spray nozzlesfor illuminating the sprays; means connected to said illuminating meansfor varying the intensity of illumination from said illuminating meansaisance in accordance with the amplitude of an audio frequency sound;and means connected to said valve means for opening said valve means toincrease the amplitude of the sprays Whenever the amplitude of saidaudio frequency soundr exceeds a predetermined value.

6. A fountain installation comprising: a plurality of individual spraynozzles for ejecting sprays of liquid; means connected to said nozzlescomprising a pump for supplying liquid under pressure to said nozzles;separate Valve means associated with each of said spray nozzles forcontrolling the flow of liquid pumped -from said pump to each of thenozzles; separate control means for each of said valve means, saidcontrol means each being responsive to a different audio `frequencyvoltage signal for controlling the operation of the valve means; aplurality of illumina-ting means for illuminating the sprays; andseparate illuminating control means operatively associated With eachsaid illuminating means, each said illuminating control means beingresponsive to a voltage signal or" a different audio frequency forcontrolling the illuminating intensity of its associated illuminatingmeans in accordance with the amplitude of the voltage signal.

7. A fountain spray system including: a plurality of individual lspraynozzles for ejecting sprays `et liquid; means connected to said nozzlesfor supplying liquid under pressure to said nozzles, saidsupply meanscomprising a pump; a valve means lassociated with said spray nozzles forcontrolling the oW of liquid pumped by said pump to each of the nozzles;means for providing electric current having audio frequency components;means connected yto said last mentioned means for 'rectifying saidcurrent for deriving uni-directional control currentstherefrom; andmeans responsive to said uni-directional cur-v rents for operating saidvalve means to increase the ilow of liquid to each of said nozzleswhenever the amplitude of any of said audio frequency current componentsexceeds a predetermined value` Y 8. A fountain spray system including: aplurality of ,individual spray nozzles for ejecting ksprays of liquid;

, quency components; means for rectifying said current for derivinguni-directional control currents therefrom; means responsive to saiduni-directional currents for controlling the energization of saidilluminatingmeans in accordance with the magnitude of said audiolfrequency components; and means responsive to `said uni-directionalcurrents for operating said valve means to increase the flow of liquid Yto each of said nozzles whenever the amplitude of any of 6e lie saidaudio frequency components exceeds a predetermined value.

9. A fountain vspray system including: a plurality of individual spraynozzles for ejecting sprays of liquid; means connected to said nozzlesfor supplying Vliquid under pressure to said nozzles, said supply meanskcomprising a pump; separate valve means associated with each of saidspray nozzles for controlling the ow of liquidV pumped by said pump toeach of the nozzles; means for providing a potential having audiofrequency components of varying amplitudes; a plurality of lter meansfor said potential connected to said last mentioned means,

- each said iilter means adapted to-transmit a control potentialconsisting of a different band of said components; and separate controlmeans associated with each valve means, each control meansbeing'responsive to the control potential from a different one of saidlter means for opening its associated valve means Whenever the controlis of a predetermined magnitude.

l0. A fountain spray system including: aplurality of 'individual sprayVnozzles for ejecting sprays of liquid;

means connected to'said spray nozzles for supplying liquidy underpressure -to said nozzles, saidl supply means com` ferent one 'of saidfilter means for opening its associated valve means Whenever the controlpotential is of a predetermined magnitude; a pluralityof illuminatingmeans for illuminating the sprays; and separate control means associatedwith each illuminating means, each said illuminating control meansbeingresponsive to vary the energization of itsassociated illuminatingmeans in accordance with the varying amplitude of the control potentialfrom a particularV one of said filter means.

Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 634,569 BrainardOct. 10, 1899A 1,837,732 Stabler Dec. 22, 1931 1,977,997 Patterson ,Oct.23, 1934 2,131,934 Burchfield Oct. 4, 1938" 2,591,100 Y Rause Apr. 1,1952 2,868,055 Simos ian.' i3, 1959 2,922,582 vPrzystawik Jan. ,26, 19603,618,583 Way Ian. 30, -1962 potential

1. A DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING A PLURALITY OF WATER SPRAY FOUNTAINS AND APLURALITY OF ILLUMINATING SYSTEMS THEREFOR, COMPRISING: FIRST MEANS FORPROVIDING AN INPUT POTENTIAL HAVING AUDIO FREQUENCY COMPONENTS OFVARYING AMPLITUDES; A PLURALITY OF FILTERING MEANS FOR FILTERING SAIDPOTENTIAL CONNECTED TO SAID FIRST MEANS, EACH SAID FILTERING MEANSCOMPRISING A FREQUENCY BAND-PASS CIRCUIT ADAPTED TO TRANSMIT APRATICULAR FREQUENCY RANGE OF SAID COMPONENTS; ILLUMINATION CONTROLMEANS OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH EACH SAID FILTERING MEANS, EACH OFSAID CONTROL MEANS RESPONSIVE TO THE POTENTIAL COMPONENTS TRANSMITTED BYA PARTICULAR ONE OF SAID FILTERING MEANS FOR VARYING THE INTENSITY OFILLUMINATION OF A PARTICULAR ONE OF SAID ILLUMINATING SYSTEMS INACCORDANCE WITH THE VARYING AMPLITUDE OF THE POTENTIAL COMPONENTSTRANSMITTED BY SAID PARTICULAR FILTERING MEANS; FOUNTAIN CONTROL MEANSOPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH EACH SAID FILTERING MEANS FOR INCREASING THEWATER FLOW OF A PARTICULAR ONE OF SAID FOUNTAINS WHEN THE AMPLITUDE OFTHE COMPONENTS TRANSMITTED BY THE FILTERING MEANS EXCEEDS APREDETERMINED VALUE AND MEANS RESPONSIVE TO SAID INPUT POTENTIAL FORINCREASING THE WATER FLOW OF ALL SAID SPRAY FOUNTAINS UPON THEOCCURRENCE IN SAID POTENTIAL OF SAID AUDIO FREQUENCY COMPONENT OF APREDETERMINED AMPLITUDE.